Did you know there are over 10,000 underground rivers in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula? And, did you know that some rivers have caverns and caves with pools of water called cenotes that allow snorkeling among the stalagmites and stalactites? Yesterday, my family and I had the opportunity to experience Chac Tun Caverns near Playa del Carmen.

Upon reaching Chac Tun we were given hard hats, life vests, snorkel equipment, and flashlights. We hiked through several caves and our guide, Ruben, told us about this secret underground world that was used by the ancient Mayans for sacred ceremonies of purification and rejuvenation.

We learned about the cave’s rock formations of stalagmites and stalactites. As water containing minerals seeps into a cave, it drips from the ceiling to the floor. Depending on the amount of evaporation and the amount of minerals in the water, some minerals are left on the ceiling and floor. Over a period of time, they form stalagmites and stalactites – a stalactite hangs from the ceiling, and a stalagmite forms on the floor underneath, where the water lands. In due course, they will meet, forming a column.

When it was time for our snorkel we took a deep breath and plunged into the 75 degree water. It was a shock at first, but it ended up feeling great after a minute or two. We followed Ruben through narrow cave openings to deeper water areas of the cave. Snorkeling in a cave is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced — the water is crystal clear. Snorkeling along the flashlight revealed beautiful rock formations, a set of ancient jaguar bones, and a few startled catfish. Some areas reached 25 feet in depth and other areas we had to float on our backs to go through and others areas we had to climb over rocks to visit more shallow areas.

Afterwards it was time to hike back above ground. All and all and amazing tour.

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